System of electric distribution.



A. W. GRAY.

SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1905. 949,534. Patented Feb. 15, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

A. W. GRAY, SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.19, 1905. I 1 949,534. Patented Feb. 15, 1910. 4SHEETS-SHBET 2.

A. w. GRAY. SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 19, 1905.

' Patented Feb. 15, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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A. W. GRAY.

SYSTEM OF BLEcTR c DISTRIBUTION.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT.19, 1905.

Patented Feb.'15, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

UNITED STATE PATENT OFFICE.

ADELBERT W. GRAY,

OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION.

Application filed September To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ADELBERT W. GRAY, a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at New York, in the county of Kings and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Systems ofElectric Distribution, of which the following is a specification,reference being had. therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to systems for generating, storing, anddistributing electricity, and its primary object is, to utilize thepower of the wind to generate electrical energy and control its storageand distribution.

The invention utilizes the power of a windmill, or group of wind-millsfor operating an electric generator, and it consists of mechanismwhereby power is transmitted from the shaft of a wind-mill, or themechanically-connected shafts of a group of wind-mills, to the shaft ofan electrical generator.

The invent-ion further consists in means for automatically regulatingthe operation of the wind-mills with relation to the capacity of thegenerator, and storage batteries charged thereby.

The invention comprises novel mechanism, and electrical switchescontrolled thereby for regulating the supply of current to a series ofstorage batteries from an electrical generator, said generator beingoperated by wind power.

The improved mechanism is so constructed as to throw the wind-mill outof the wind when necessary, and also to equalize the power of a seriesof wind-mills of varying velocity, so that the electrical power generated will not exceed the charging capacity of the storage batteries incircuit with the generator. 1

The improved system of generation, storage, and distribution, and theconstruction of the mechanism employed for rendering the same effectivewill be fully described hereinafter, in connection with the accompanyingdrawings which form a part of this specification, and their novelfeatures will be defined and set forth in the appended claims. In thedrawings: Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating my improved system. Fig. 2is a front elevation of a voltage-controlled switclroperating mechanismrepresented in the diagram of Fig. 1 by the solenoid A.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 15, 1910.

19, 1905. Serial No. 279,173.

r Fig. 3 is a diagram of the current-reversiing switches and circuitsshown in Fig. 2, the connections of the switch-operating mechanism beingshown in their normal operative position. Fig. 4 illustratesdiagrammatically a group or nest of windmills connected by gearing tothe shaft of an electric generator. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of asafety device employed in connection with the gearing interposed betweenthe wind-mills and the generator shaft. Fig. 6 is a detail frontelevation of a plurality of arms for throwing the storage batteryswitches, a shaft upon which the arms are mounted, and its connections,and Fig. 7 is a fragmentary detail view of a portion of the mechanismshown in F ig. 2.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in Fig. 4: is shown a nest ofwind-mills 1 arranged in a cluster and a series of sheaves 2 disposed inannular and staggered relation. Chains or belts 3 are connected to ortrained over the sheaves of the wind-mills 1 and the sheaves 2, and saidsheaves 2 are mounted upon vertical stub shafts it supported in suitablebearings 5. Loosely mounted upon the stub shafts a are friction wheels 6which are operatively driven with said shafts 1 by virtue of adjustablymovable clutches 7 adapted to frictionally engage collars 8 rigidlysecured to the friction wheels 6. The several friction wheels 6 arearranged in annular and staggered relation and in such arrangementareconstantly in frictional engagement with superposed friction or gearwheels 9 mounted upon a stub shaft 10 which is likewise mounted inbearings 5 and has a parallel disposition with relation to said shafts4t. A beveled pinion 11 is also rigidly mounted upon the shaft 10 and isdisposed beneath the friction wheels 9. Said pinion 11 is in constantmesh with the beveled pinion 12, which is rigidly mounted upon the endof the horizontally disposed shaft 13, which is the power shaft of thegenerator.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings 14: represents a generator, 9 a resistance forbuilding up the field, and A a solenoid device for controlling theoperation of the several switches employed; the device A being shown indetail in Fig. 2 and in diagram in Fig. 8.

The several switches of the storage batteries are designated by thenumerals 15, 16 and 17, the numeral designating the switch for the mainstorage battery system,

the numeral 16 the switch for the auxiliary storage battery systems, andthe numeral 17 the switch for the safety cut-out. The normal positionsof the several switches 15, 16 and 17 are shown in full lines, theiropposite positions being indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 of thedrawings. In their dead position, the generator 1% is in a circuittraced along the wire a from the positive pole to feed wire 6 leading tothe main storage switch 15, through the shunt circuit contacts 0insulated from the storage battery contacts of said switch 15, themercury cups 0, the wire 7' leading therefrom, resistance 9 interposedin the wire 7 and wire it leading to the negative pole of the generator14. The solenoid device for successively tripping the several switches15, 16 and 17 is in a shunt circuit across the circuit above describedwith the generator leading from the wire a, along wire 2', back alongwire f and wire h to the generator. The switch operating device is shownin its dead position in Fig. 3 and in its active position in Fig. 2. Itshould be here stated that the solenoid device A, is constantly incircuitwith the generator, in either position of the switch 15, hencethe contacts 0 and mercury cups 0 are arranged on each side of saidswitch and close a circuit with the generator in either positionthereof. The first or shunt circuit has been traced. In the liveposition of the switch 15 indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1, thecircuit follows the wire Z) as above described, the contacts 0 and 6down along the wire j, through the storage batteries and wire 7; leadingtherefrom and through the wire 7L into the generator 14. It is to benoted that the wires (4 and 72, at each terminal of the generator areemployed in common with the shuntand direct circuits thereof in bothpositions of the switch 15, so that the solenoid device A which isshunted across either of the generator circuits between the wires a andh by the connecting wires 2 and 7", will be constantly in circuit withthe generator in either position of the switch 15 so as to render thesolenoid device at all times operative during the action of thewindmills.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the solenoid device A represented therein indetail, is mounted in a housing, which for the sake of convenience ofillustration, is not shown. The switch operating device embodies a motor18 comprising a stationary field 19 and a rocking armature 20. The motor18 is mounted upon a support 21, secured to the casing above mentioned.Mounted upon opposite sides of the motor 18 and supported by suitablebrackets 22 within said casing is a solenoid 23 and a dash pot 2%. Thecore 25 of the solenoid 23 is rigidly connected to avertically-extending rod 26, and a plunger 27 moving in said dash pot24, is

in like manner connected to a vertical rod 28. The rods 26 and 28 havepivotal connection at their upper ends as at 29, with a T-shaped lever30 provided with a depending arm 31. The T-lever 30 is fulcrumed at acentral point 32 in suitable bearings provided therefor in the housingabove mentioned. The solenoid 23 is in circuit with the generator. Themotor 18 may be in circuit with the generator or with the main series ofstorage batteries. hen the various parts are in their normal position inFig. 1, prior to starting the apparatus, the switch operating devicewill be in the position shown in Fig. 3, which is the normal position.It is to be noted that the switch operating device embodies auxiliaryswitches 33 and 3st operated respectively from the solenoid 23 and thedash pot 21. In the position shown in Fig. 3, these switches are in anormal position with their contacts in a common centrally located mercury cup 35. 1Vhen the switches 33 and 3t are in their normal positionthe circuit of the source of supply is open, and there being noconnection established between said source and the constituent elementsof the switch throwing device, the same is, in the above describedposition of the switches, inoperative, and remains in such inoperativestate until either of said switches 33 or 34 is tripped to close thecircuit with the source of supply.

is shown in Fig. 3, the circuit is traced from the positive pole of asource of supply, either storage batteries or generator, through thewire a, into the field 19, through magnets 36 and 37 supported beneaththe solenoid and dash pot upon the respective brackets 22, into themercury cup through either of the switches or 3+1 according to theposition thereof, along either of the respective wires Z) or c,throughthe armature 20, and thence from the wires (Z or 0 leading from saidswitches 33 and 31 back to the source of supply. It is to be noted thatthe switches 33 and 3-1 are of substantially T-shape and are fulcrumedto a central point as at 38, in suitable bearings provided therefor. Theswitches 33 and 31 adjacent their fulcra 33 are provided with dependingarms and 10, which constantly rest in the mercury cups a1 and 12respectively. Upon the ends of the switches 33 and 31 are provideddepending contacts and sit respectively. The adjacent or main contactsand 14, in the normal position of the switches, rest in the mercury cup35 but the extreme contacts 13 and 41- rest in mercury cups 16 and 47respectively. The connections above described are employed in theindependent circuits for the solenoid device A, and serve to render saiddevice operative to throw the switches 15, 16 and 17. Since, prior tothe starting of the switch throwing device, the solenoid device is inits inoperative position, shown in Fig. 3, the solenoid 23 being incircuit with the generator, must necessarily be energized therebythrowing it in action and drawing its core 25 and the rod 26 connectedthereto, thereby rocking the T-arm 30, and in this action moving theswitch 33 to the full line position of Fig. 2 and the dotted lineposition of Fig. 3 at which time, the circuit of the solenoid. devicewill be operative and will be as follows: from the source of supplythrough the field 19, the magnets 36 and 37, mercury cup 35, the contact14:, the switch 34:, the depending arm 4L0 of said switch 3%, themercury cup 42, the wire 0, the armature 20, the wire 5, the mercury cup41, the arm 39, the switch 33, the mercury cup 4:6, and the wire (Z backto the source of supply. The switch 33 in assuming its full lineposition to establish the circuit above described, is operated bydevices which will be described in detail. Similar devices are alsoprovided in establishing the circuit through the switch 3%, and will bedescribed in conjunction with the devices for establishing the circuitthrough the switch 33. It should be here stated that the switch 33closes the circuit when the current passing through the solenoid is ofsufiicient voltage to operate the switch, and that the switch 34 closesthe circuit when the current in the solenoid is less than is suflicientto energize the solenoid so that the weighted plunger 27 shall have freemovement in the dash pot, at which time the action will be the same asthe action of the parts operated from the solenoid, but will tend tomove the motor 18 in a reverse direction, so as to break or throw intothe normal position in Fig. 1, the several switches 15, 16 and 17.

The respective switches 33 and 34: are tripped in either direction byhorse shoe magnets 50 and 51 which are centrally piv oted as at 52, toarms 53 and 5 1 provided on their inner ends with adjustably movableweights 55. The arms 53 and as are adapted to be engaged by adjustablepins 56 and 57 carried by the T-arm 30. The pins 56 and 57 are employedto engage the ends of the respective arms 53 and 54: of the magnets 50and 51 and to swing said magnets upon their fulcra 52 in eitherdirection to control the movement of the switches 33 and In theirrocking movement, the magnets act to trip said switches by virtue oftheir influence over depending armatures 58 of the switch 33, one armbeing exposed on each sideof the fulcrum 38 thereof, and dependingarmatures 59 of the switch 3st, said last named arms being disposed in asimilar manner to the armatures 58. As either of the magnets 50 or 51 isswung upon its fulcrum 52 to a posi tion off center, itsmfiuence uponthe ad]acent arn'iature 58 or 59 of the switches 33 and 3 5i, will be totrip said switches in either direction according to the direction of themovement of the magnets 50 and 51 as controlled by the pins 56 and 57engaging the arms 53 and 5a of said magnets. The action of the switches33, 3 1 in their movement may be further facilitated by the provision ofa spring in the manner of a snap switch. It is to be noted in Fig. 2that the switch 33 is in its working position, as indicated in dottedlines in Fig. 3. Vhen in this position, either of the switches 33 or 34:is locked by means of pivoted L- shaped detents 60 each provided with alateral arm 61 and a depending arm 62. The detents 60 are fulcrumed atthe junction of the arms 61 and 62, as at 63 in bearings providedtherefor in the casing. The pivotal movement of the detents is limitedby pins 61 disposed adjacent the arms 61, and said detents are heldnormal-1y against said pins through the agency of springs 65 which maybe of any desired form but are shown as flat springs rigidly connectedas at 66 to the casing or to a pin projecting therefrom. The ends of thearms 61 are formed with an inclined shoulder 67.

The switches 33 and 34- are provided near their fulcra 38 and inalinement with the arms 39, with upwardly extending arms 68 and 69 whichare formed at their extremities with inclined faces 70. Mounted in thedepending arms 62 of the detents 60 are pins 71., the function of whichwill be presently described. It should be here stated that when eitherof the switches 33 or 34 is swung into a working position as shown inthe case of the switch 33, the arm 68 or 69 with its inclined face 70will ride over the adjacent inclined shoulder 67 mounted upon the end ofthe arm 61 of said detent, forcing the same upwardly against the actionof the spring 65, until said arm 68 or 69 shall have cleared said detentat which time the spring 65 will restore the detent to its initialposition and lock the switch. In order to facilitate the movement of therocking T-arm in either direction, I have provided the weight 72 whichis slidably mounted upon a rod 7 3 transversely journaled in bearings74- projecting from the T-arm 30, The gravitating action of this weightwill tend to accelerate the speed of the arm 30 in either direction.

he structure above described relates to the mechanism of the solenoidswitch throwing device A, and when the switch 33 or 84: has beentripped, the circuit is thus established through the medium of certainelements to be described, to throw the switch arms 15, 16 and 17 ineither direction according to the position of the switches 33 or 34. i

Rigidly mounted upon the motor shaft '75, is an upwardly extending arm7?, approximately vertically disposed in the dead position, said arm 77being provided adjacent its upper end with an insulating block 78.

Rigidly mounted upon the motor shaft adjacent the ends of the armature20 are oppositely extending arms T9 and 80 which pass upon the outsideof the support 21 for the motor 18. Pivoted to the lower ends of thearms T9 and 80 are pawls 81 and 82 respectively which extend inwardly ortoward each other. The arm 77 carries upon the lower portion thereof,laterally extending brackets 83 disposed one on each side of said armand in said brackets are adjustably mounted screws Set against which thedepending arm 31 of the rocking T-lever 30 is adapted to abut for apurpose to be hereinafter described. It should be here stated that saidarm 31 has its termination at a point between said brackets 83.

In order to limit the movement of the arms 53 and 54 of the magnets 50and 51, l have provided adjustable screws 85 which are mounted inbrackets 80 secured to the housing and which are adapted to impingeagainst the under faces of the arms and 5%.

Rigidly mounted upon a rotatable shaft 87 and disposed between the arms79 and 80 is a drum 88 which is approximately centrally located uponsaid shaft between said arms. This drum is formed with a series ofperipheral recesses 89 for the purpose hereinafter described. Rigidlymounted upon said shaft- 87 and disposed on each side of said drum 88are ratchets 90 and 91, the teeth of which extend in opposite directionsand are adapted to be engaged respectively by the pawls 81 and 82fulcrumed upon the ends of the arms 79 and S0. Said pawls 81 and 82 areretained in engagement with said ratchets 90 and 91 by means of flatsprings 92 which bear atone end against said pawls and are secured attheir other ends rigidly to L- shaped depending extensions 93 carried byRigidly mountcd the levers T9 and 80. upon the shaft 87 and shown asdisposed adjacent to the ratchet 91 are a series of radially extendingand spirally arranged arms 9-1 adjustably secured upon said shaft byscrews 95. The movement of the arms T9 and 80 is controlled by themovement of the armature 20 but is limited by means of pins 96adjustably mounted in brackets 97 secured to the casing. The arms 79 and80 are connected by a bridge piece 98 which is formed on its under facewith a central recess 99 and on its upper face with a centrally locatedstud 100. Fulcrumed in the depending legs of the brackets 22 upon whichthe solenoid 23 and the dash pot 21 are supported, are levers 101 and102 which are adapted upon the establishing of either of the circuits ofthe motor 18, to be engaged and held by the respective magnets 30 and37, but which, when said motor circuit is opened as is shown in Fig. 3,are adapted to be released by said magnets to assume a position to behereinafter described. The levers 101 and 102 carry armatures 103 to beattrtcted by said magnets and each of said levers is of peculiarconstruction and will be separately described in detail. The lever 101is formed adjacent its inner end with a recess 10st adapted to fit overthe stud 100 of the bridge member 98 and said lever held in positionupon said bridge member by means of a spiral spring 105 and in theposition just described, is designed to hold the arms 79 and 80 frommovement in either direction by virtue of its locking engagement withthe stud 100. The lever 102 is formed adjacent its free end with adepending stud 106 which is adapted to rest in any one of the recesses89 in the drum 88. The lever 102 is held in its position by a spring 107secured to the housing and to the lever in the same manner as the spring105, and said lever is formed with a centrally located inclined portion108 to which is rigidly secured as at 109, the end of a leaf spring 110.The spring 110 is formed with a hooked end 111 adapted to embrace theextremity of the lever 102 and adjacent said hooked end 111, said spring110 is formed with a teat 112, which normally occupies the space betweenthe walls of the recess 99. Said teat 112 is formed with a curvedsurface and is adapted upon the movement of the arms 79 and 80 toimpinge against the flat surface 113 of the bridge piece 98 on eitherside of the recess 99.

For the purpose of accelerating the res toration of the arms 79 and 80to initial position. I have provided leaf springs 111 which are securedat their ends to each side of the support 21 of the motor 20. Saidsprings 11: impinge against integral lateral extensions 116 carried uponeach of the arms 79 and 80 and are limited in their action by stub pins117 extending from a suitable support.

For the purpose of temporarily locking the rods 26 or 28 when thesolenoid 23 and dash pot 2-. have performed their respective functions,I have provided L-shaped latches 118 arranged adjacent said rods, andfulcrumed at their lower ends as at 119 in bearings provided therefor.Leaf springs 120 are rigidly secured to the latches 118 at their basesand extend inwardly toward each other, said leaf springs being formedwith upwardly inclined ends 120. The latches 118 are each formed with abent end 121 adapted to engage an abutment 122 carried by the rods 20and 28. The drum 88 is formed on its side adjacent said springs 120 witha lat- Cir erally extending pin 88. When the drum 88 completes itsmovement in either direction after all the switches 15, 16 and 17 havebeen tripped, the pin 88 will engage the inclined end 120 of thecorresponding spring 120, thereby depressing the latter and swinging thelatch 118 upon its fulcrum 119 until the latter passes beneath theabutment 122 upon either of the rods 26 or 28, thereby locking the sameagainst the hammering of the solenoid 23 or dash pot 241 after theswitches 15, 16 and 17 have been severally set in either position, andmaintaining the parts locked during the period that the drum 88 remainsstationary at the termination of its movement in either direction. It isto be noted that when one rod 26 or 28 is locked, the other of said rodswill be free to move, when the potential of the generatorcorrespondingly increases or decreases, and as soon as the drum 88 isgiven a single impulse in the direction of travel opposite to that justcompleted, the spring 120 is re leased from its position againstthe pin88. WVhen said levers 79 and 80 are restored to initial position, thespring 120, will, by its own resiliency return to its normal position,and the latches 118 will be quickly restored to normal disengagedposition by virtue of leaf springs 123 bearing thereagainst and securedto said brackets 22. The movement of the latches 118 in either directionis limited by stop pins 124: disposed on each side thereof.

It should here be noted that any number of series of storage batteriesmay be enr ployed, hence a corresponding number of switches. I haveshown in Fig. 1, three series of storage batteries and three switches,but as in the drawing, the solenoid switch working device is capable ofsuccessively tripping eight switches to close various cir cuits and ofsuccessively tripping said switches in a reverse direction to open saidcircuits. It will be apparent that the various switch controllingelements must correspond in number to the number of storage batteries tobe charged. As each of the arms 94-. engages and operates on one of theswitches there will be eight of said arms. As the movement of each armis dependent upon the engagement of one of the pawls 81 or 82 with oneof the teeth of the ratchets 90 or 91, said ratchet will hence be formedwith eight ratchet teeth, and inasmuch as the drum 88 is locked aftereach actuation of the levers 7 9 and 80, and the pawls 81 and 82connected therewith, it will be apparent that said drum will be formedwith eight peripheral teeth.

The several switches 15 and 16 are of similar and peculiar construction.It is to be noted that the switch 15 carries the con tacts c which arearranged in pairs ineach age battery contacts (Z. Said switches are ofsubstantially T-shape and the switches 16 are provided at each end withthe single storage battery contact (Z. Each of the switches 15 and 16 isfulcrumed at a certain point as 125, and adjacent said fulcrum areformed with 21 depending arm 126 which rests in a mercury cup Z therebyconstituting a. contact whereby provision is made so that the generatoris always in circuit with the batteries or resistance g. The severalcontacts cl are adapted to rest in mercury cups m in their liveposition, and in cups n in their dead position. These contacts possessthe same spaced disposition as the arms 94 mounted upon the shaft 87 andhence said switches 15, 16 and 17 are fulcrumed upon a common shaft 127,but mounted so as to be independently rotatable thereupon. Said shaft127 bears spaced parallel relation to the shaft 87 previously described,and the relative arrangement of said shaft, said arms 94: and saidswitches is shown in Fig. 2. Loosely mounted upon said shaft- 127 are aseries of arms 128 provided with bifurcated ends 129 and adjacent theirlower extremities with extensions 130. The arms 128 are severallydisposed adjacent the respective switches 15 and 16 and are connectedtherewith by means of spiral springs 131 secured to the extension 130,and to the body of the switches 15 and 16. The switch 17 is of peculiarconstruction and dilfers inthis particular from the switches 15 and 16and will be hereinafter more fully described in detail. Said switch 17,is, however,like the switches 15 and 16 mounted upon the shaft 127. Thearms 9e are adapted to enter between the bifurcations 129 of the arm128, and to trip said arm off center so that the extension 130 will bethrown into such a position with relation to the switches 15 and 16 thatthe spring 131 will act to throw said switch in either directiondepending upon the movement of the arm 128 as controlled by the arms9-1.

The switch 17 embodies a pair of oppositely disposed arms 132 and 133mounted upon an armature 134 of a motor 135, the field thereof beingdesignated by the nu meral 136 and being shown diagrammatically inFig. 1. The arm 133 rests at its extremity on a stationary contact 137and a short distance from said extremity is insulated from the majorportion thereof as at 138. The arm 132 of the motor is made heavy toturn the armature of the motor in the reverse direction to which thearmature turns when the motor is energized. Said switch 17 is tripped bythe engagement of an arm 94 with an upwardly extending pin 13 1 and isadapted to close a number of circuits to be more fully describedhereinafter from the storage battery and the generator through astationary contact 139 disposed end thereof and are insulated from thestor- 1 adjacent the arm 132 and a rheostat 140 disposed adjacent saidarm, said contact 139 having circuit connection through the arm 132 bymeans of a stationary contact 1 :39

arranged adjacent thereto, and through in- I sulated pairs of contactmembers 111 and 112 said pairs of contact members 111 and 112 beingseparated by the insulation 113. The major portion 133 of the arm 133 isdesigned to close the circuit with the contacts 111. The extremity 133of the arm 133 is designed to close the circuit through the contacts112.

As shown, the switch 17 and the various switches in circuits dependingthereon are in an inoperative or dead position, but when said switch istripped by the arm 91 into the position shown by dotted lines, thefollowing circuits are established viz: a generator circuit, and astorage battery circuit to switch motor 131, and a storage batterycircuit, and also a generator circuit through rheostat 110, to motor150. The generator circuit leads along the wire (0; branches to wire 0through which it passes to the field 136 and armature 131 of the motor135, thence through the contact 111 and portion 133 of the arm 133, towire 0 back to the generator through the wire /z. It will thus be seenthat the generator current will act upon the motor 131 to swing theswitch 17 along the rheostat 110, which is in the storage batterycircuit.

The storage battery circuit is as follows: from the main series ofstorage batteries 13, through the wires the wires and 2), throughcontact 139, arm 132, rheostat 110, wire 9, contact 111, wire 9 (whichis con nected with wire g by the contact 111) through contacts and oneblade of a hand switch 115, to the wire r through short length contact116, a snap switch 11? contact 118, wire 1" to motor 119, armature 150,wire 8, to contact 112, the portion 133 of the switch 17 through wire 8from the outer contact 112, field 151 and along the wire la back to thebattery B. The battery circuit through the rheostat 110 to the motor 150has been referred to, and there is also a circuit to the motor from thegenerator through the switch 15, and wire 1). In the circuit from therheostat to the motor 150 an automatic snap switch 152, which has a longcontact piece 111 at one terminal and a short length contact 153 at theother terminal, said snap switch 152 being pivoted on its base as at151. The switch 117 which acts with the contacts 116 and 118, is acounterpart in construction to the switch 152. It should be here statedthat when the various parts are in the dead position, as shown in fulllines in Fig. 1. or one of the switches 15 and 16 has been thrown intothe live position as indicated in dotted lines Fig. 1, and the switch 17has been thrown into its live position, the switch 152 is always openand the switch 117 is always closed.

in connection with the safety device we wiil now refer specifically toFig. It is to be noted in this figure that the switches 152 are in theposition intimated above under the conditions tescribed. The power shaft155 of the motor 150 has rigid connection with the shaft 156 carrying ahand wheel 15?, said shaft being formed along the major portion of itslength with threads 158. Mounted upon the end of the shaft 156 is abeveled pinion 159 which is constantly in mesh with a beveled gear 160,mounted upon a vertical shaft 161, supported in bearings 162 and 163.Said shaft 161 is formed along the major portion thereof with threads161 upon which is adapted to travel a concentrically aranged collar 165which is internally threaded to intermesh with the threads 161. Thecollar 165 has flexible connection through the agency of connectingwires or rods 166 with bell cranks 167 pivotally mounted at the junctionof their legs as at 168 inside braces 169 upon which the support 5 forthe various gearing shafts of. the wind-mills is also mounted.

The bell cranks 167 are connected in any desired manner to the pivotallymounted wheel of the wind-mill so that as the collar 165 moves upon thethreaded portion 161 of the shaft 161, the bell cranks 167 will bemoved, and through the connections thereof will serve to move said windwheel upon its fulcrum, so that said wheel may be by the movement of thecollar 165 extended so as to lie at an angle to the wind, as in thenormal position, or it may be moved so as to be drawn out of the wind.This action occurs when the potential from the generator enters thearmature of the motor 150 through the wire 1", and rotates the shaft 156connected to the power shaft 155 of shaft motor in such a direction,that the shaft 161 driven thereby through the me dium of the connectinggears 160 and 159, will feed the collar 165 downwardly, to draw theblades of the wind-mills out of the wind, and hence reduce the speed ofthe generator 11. This is the first step or action in the operation ofthe safety device. Simultaneously with the foregoing step in theoperation, the switch 152 is tripped to close a circuit which passesthrough the contact 153, switch 152, and contact 111 by the followingdevices. A support or bracket 170 is slidably mounted uponatransverselydisposed rod 171 which is held in brackets 172 at each endthereof. Said bracket 170 is internally threaded so as to allow thethreaded portion of the shaft 158 to pass therethrough and intermeshwith the threads thereof. A transverse rod 173 is mounted in the upperend of said bracket 170, said transverse rod 173 carrying at its endscollars 174 and 175. As the collar 165 is being fed downwardly thebracket 170 is being fed upon the shaft 156 along its bearing 171 towardthe motor. The collar 174 in the course of a travel of the bracket 170in the direction above named, will engage a pivoted bell crank 176 andswing the same upon its fulcrum. Said bell crank 176 is connected by aretractile spring 17 7 with the switch arm 152, so that when the bellcrank is swung to a point off center, the spring 177 will act to drawsaid switch arm 152 into the dotted line position Figs. 1 and 5 andclose the circuit previously described between the contacts 153 and 144.This is the second step in the operation of the safety device, andoccurs simultaneously with the downward movement of the collar 165. Theoperation of the safety device may stop at this point, since thepotential of the generator is materially decreased owing to the wheelsof the wind-mills being drawn out of the wind as described so thatshould the potential of the generator decrease to a suflicient degree,the switch 17 will return to its normal position indicated in full linesin Fig. 1, by the decrease in the current from the generator and thereverse movement imparted to the armature of the motor by the weight ofthe arm 132. However, when the switch 17 returns to this position afterthe first step in the operation of the safety device, a different stateof action is presented from that when the switch was originally in fullline position prior to the action of the safety device. This is due tothe fact that the circuit controlled by the contacts 153 and 144 andswitch 152 has been closed. This circuit is a storage battery circuitand is traced from the main battery 13 along wire 7), wire 2), switcharm 132, contact 139, wire -u through the blade of manual switch 145,wire a,' through wire s, entering motor 149 from an opposite directionto the storage battery current through rheostat, from motor 149 overwire -r-, switch 147, back through switch 145, wire to contact 144,through switch arm 152 and. contact 153, wire '2), through cont-act 137,portion 133 of switch arm 133, through outer contact 142 over wire 8,through field 151 and over wire -Zc back to generator. The operation ofthe motor 150 through the storage battery circuit takes place only whenthe potential of the generator is decreased owing to the wheels of thewind mills being drawn out of the wind. Should there be a very powerfulwind, and should the potential of the storage batteries be so great asto continue their influence upon the motor 134 thereby maintaining therheostat storage battery circuit closed. the motor 150 will operate tofeed the bracket 170 the entire length of the threaded portion until thecollar 17 5 engages the pivoted'bell crank .178 which is connected tothe switch 1.47 by a spring 179. When the bell crank 178- is swung uponits fulcrum, the switch arm 147 will be thrown over by the spring 179,there by breaking the circuits which pass through the contacts 146, arm147 and contact 148, and stopping the motor 149 so as to prevent thedisplacement of the various parts from their bearings. When this occurs,the switch 17 assumes its normal full line position, and the variousswitches 15 and 16 will be in a dotted line position, the storagebatteries dependent thereupon having been all charged. Feed wires inlead from the main storage battery B to any desirable electrical systemthat may be installed. I 9

Assuming that the potential of the generator has decreased eitherthrough the natural falling of the wind or through the action of thesafety device above described, in moving the blades of the wind-millsout of the wind, the solenoid device A for operating the severalswitches 15 and 16 now comes into action again, but in the reversedirection, the arm 80 being actuated to set the switches 15 and 16 backto their full line position in a manner to be hereinafter described. henthe switches have been re stored to their normal position, the mainseries of storage batteries B are fed from the auxiliary batteries alongthe wire 25, through the mercury cups Z, switch arm 16, contact (Z,mercury cups a, along wire a2, through the mercury cup Z of switch 15,contact (Z and cup n of said switch, through the wire 00 leading fromcup 02, along the wire p, wire j, through the batteries B,back alongwire to the storage batteries C.

In connection with the general system involved it should be here statedafter the action of the safety device when the switch arms 152 and 147have been thrown in dotted line position, in resetting the switches thearm 147 is moved manually to complete the circuits through the contacts146 and 148 thereby establishing the storage battery circuit through thedevice 17 and the contact 139 at which time the motor 150 will revolvein the proper direction to feed the bracket 170 away therefrom andthrough the medium of the collar 174 trip the switch 152 to break thestorage battery circuit through contact 139 thereby stopping the motor149 and resetting the various parts. This operation may be alsoaccon'iplished manually in the event of the potential of the storagebatteries being exhausted by disconnecting the shaft 156 from the powershaft 155 and rotating said shaft 156 with the hand wheel 157. Should itbe desired to stop the motor 150 before the act-ion of the safety devicereaches the arm 147, the hand switch 145 is thrown to the right (Fig. 1)

to break the circuit between the wires 14 and a, and g and r. Thecircuit established to reverse the motor and shut down the wind mills,is from the battery B along wire through one blade of hand switch M5 towire 7, through snap switch 1: 77, wire 1', motor 1&9, wire 8, wire w,tirough the other blade of switch 14:5,wire u,wire s,through field 151,and over wire 7r: back to battery B.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new is:

1. The combination with a wind mill, of an electric generator having itsshaft mechanically connected to the wind-mill shaft, a storage batteryelectrically connected to said generator, electric switches in thestorage battery circuit, means controlled by the potential of saidgenerator for tripping said switches and an electrically-controlledsafety device for regulating the operation of said wind-mill withrelation to the storage caiacity of said battery.

2. The combination with a wind-mill, of an electric generator having itsshaft mechanically connected to the wind-mill shaft, a storage batteryelectrically connected to said generator, electric switches in thestorage battery circuit, means controlled by the potential of saidgenerator for tripping said switches, and electricallycontrolled meansfor throwing said wind-mill out of the wind.

3. The combination with a wind-mill, and an electric generatormechanically connected thereto, of a series of storage batterieselectrically connected with said generator, switches in the storagebattery circuits for controlling the supply of current to the batteriesand means controlled by the potential of the generator for operatingsaid switches, and electrical means for automatically regulating theoperation of said wind-mill with relation to the storage capacity ofsaid batteries.

l. in combination with a generator and means for furnishing power ofvarying degrees to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries each in aseparate branch of a circuit leading through said generator, switchesinterposed in said stoage battery circuits, one of said switches beingconstantly in circuit with said generator in both positions thereof,means controlled by the potential of said generator at a predetermineddegree for operating said switches to close said storage batterycircuits, and means controlled by the potential of said generator at adegree lower than the degree set for the actuation of said first namedmeans to operate said switches to break said storage battery circuits.

5. in combination with a generator and means for furnishing power ofvarying degrees to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries inparallel circuit with one another and all in direct circuit with saidgenerator, switches interposed in said storage battery circuits, meanscontrolled by the potential of the generator for successively throwingthe switches of the storage battery circuits into position to close saidcircuits. and mains controlled by the potential of the generator forsuccessively throwing said switches into position to break said storagebattery cir- (nits under predetermined conditions.

(3. The combination with a generator and means for furnishing power ofvarying degrees to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries inparallel circuit with one another and each in series circuit with thegenerator, switches severally interposed in said storage batterycircuits, means controlled by the potential of the generator forsuccessively tripping said switches to close said storage batterycircuits, and means controlled by the potential of the generator forsuccessively tripping said switches to break said storage batterycircuits under predetermined conditions, one of said switches beingconstantly in circuit with the generator in either position withrelation to the storage battery circuits.

7. In combination with a generator and means for furnishing power ofchangeable degree to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries inparallel circuit with one another and each in series circuit with saidgenerator, feed wires leading from said storage batteries, switchesseverally interposed in the storage battery circuits, means controlledby the potential of the generator at predetermined degree forsuccessively tripping said switches to close said storage batterycircuits, and means controlled by the potential of the generator at adegree below the degree of actuation of said first named means forsuccessively tripping said switches to break said storage batterycircuits, one of said switches being constantly in circuit with thegenerator in either the make or break position with relation to saidstorage battery circuits.

8. In combination with a generator and means for furnishing power ofchangeable degree to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor, embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries inparallel circuit with one another and all in circuit with the generator,feed wires leading from said storage batteries. switches severallyinterposed in circuit with the generator and storage batteries,electrical means controlled by the potential of the generator fortripping said switches to close said storage battery circuits, andmechanical means controlled by the potential of the generator fortripping said switches to break said storage battery circuits, one ofsaid switches being adapted to close a circuit with the generator ineither its make or break position with relation to said storage batterycircuits.

9. In combination with a generator, and means for furnishing power ofchangeable degree to drive the same, a system of electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries in.separate circuits with said generator, wires leading from said storagebatteries, switches severally interposed in storage battery circuitswith the generator, electrical means controlled by the potential of thegenerator at a predetermined degree for tripping said switches to closesaid storage battery circuits, mechanical means controlled by thepotential of the generator at degrees less than the degree of actuationof said first named means for tripping said switches to break saidstorage battery circuits, with the generator one of said switches beingadapted to close the circuit between the generator in either its make orbreak position with relation to said storage battery circuits.

10. In combination with the generator and means for furnishing power ofchangeable degree for driving the same, a system of electricaldistribution therefor embodying a plurality of series of storagebatteries in separate series circuits with the generator, switchesseverally interposed in the storage battery circuits, feed wires leadingfrom said storage batteries, electrical means con trolled by thepotential of the generator at a predetermined degree for successivelytripping the several switches to close the storage battery circuits, andmechanical means controlled by the potential of the generator at degreesless than the degree of actuation of said first named electrical meansfor successively tripping the several switches to break said storagebattery circuits with the generatoiyone of said switches being designedto close a circuit with the generator in either its make or breakposition, with relation to said storage battery circuits.

11. In combination with a generator, wind-mill power supply and a systemof gearing connecting said generator with said power supply, a system ofelectrical distribution therefor embodying a plurality of series ofstorage batteries in circuit with the generator and in circuit with oneanother, switches interposed in the storage battery circuits, feed wiresleading from said storage batteries, electrical means controlled by thepotential of the generator at a predetermined degree for throwing saidswitches into position to close the storage battery circuits, andmechanical means controlled by the potential of the generator at degreesless than the degree of actuation of said elec trical means for throwingsaid switches into position to break the storage battery circuit withthe generator, one of said switches being adapted to close a circuitwith the generator in both the make or break positions with relation tothe generator and storage battery circuits.

12. In combination with a generator, a wind-mill power supply andgearing connecting the power shafts of the wind-mills with the powershaft of the generator, a system of electrical distribution from saidgenerator embodying a series of storage batteries in circuit with thegenerator, switches interposed in the storage battery circuits, a safetydevice in circuit with the generator, a safety device controlling means,a safety device controlling means circuit, a switch interposed in saidsafety device controlling means circuit, means controlled by the safetydevice for decreasing the speed of the generator, means controlled bythe potential of the generator for throwing said first named switchesinto position to close the storage battery circuits, and means forcontrolling said first named switches into position to break the storagebattery circuits, one of said first named switches adapted to close acircuit with the generator in either its make or break position withrelation to the storage battery circuits.

13. In combination with a generator, windmill power supply therefor, anda system of gearing connecting the power shafts of the wind-mills withthe power shaft of the generator, a system of electrical distributionembodying a plurality of series of storage batteries in circuit with thegenerator, switches severally arranged in the storage battery circuits,a safety device in circuit with the generator and in circuit with thestorage batteries, a safety device controlling means, a safety devicecontrolling means circuit, a switch interposed in the circuit of saidsafety device controlling means, electrical means controlled by thepotential of the generator for throwing said switches in position toclose the storage battery circuits and to close the several circuits ofthe safety device whereby to decrease the speed of the generator, andmechanical means for tripping the several switches to the storagebattery circuits whereby to break said circuits, one of said switchesbeing adapted to be in circuit in both of its make and break positionswith the generator.

14. In combination with the generator, and wind mill power supplytherefor and systems of gearing connectlng power shafts of the windmills with the power shaft of the generator, electrical distributiontherefor embodying a plurality of series of storage batteries in circuitwith said generator,

and a safety device controlling means in I bodying a motor in circuitwith the generacircuit with said generator, a series of contacts in saidsafety device circuit, and controlling a circuit with said storagebatteries, feed wires leading from said storage batteries, switchesinterposed in the storage battery circuits, electrical means controlledby the potential of the generator for tripping said switchessuccessively into position to close said storage battery and said safetydevice circuits, and mechanical means controlled by the potential of thegenerator for tripping said switches successively to break said storagebattery circuits with the generator, one of said storage battery circuitswitches being adapted to close a circuit with the generator in both itsmake and break position with relation to the storage battery circuit.

15. In combination with a generator, a source of wind-mill power supplytherefor, and a system of gearing connecting the power shafts of thewind mills with the power shaft of the generator, a system of electricaldistribution for said generator, embodying a plurality of storagebatteries arranged in circuit with the generator, a safety device incircuit with the storage batteries, switches severally interposed in thestorage battery circuits with the generator, means controlled by thesafety device for decreasing the speed of the generator, a switchinterposed in the storage battery circuit with the safety deviceembodying a motor in circuit with the generator, switch arms mountedupon the armature of said motor, a rheostat interposed in the storagebattery circuit with the safety device, and stationary contacts, one ofsaid switch arms being adapted to overlie said stationary contacts andthe other of said switch arms being adapted to overlie said rheostat andto be moved thereupon by said motor as controlled by the potential ofthe generator whereby to close the circuit of the safety device.

16. In combination with a generator, a wind mill source of power supplyand a system of gearing connecting the power shafts of the wind millswith the power shaft of the generator, a system of electricaldistribution for said generator, embodying a plurality of storagebatteries in circuit with the generator and with one another, a safetydevice for decreasing the speed of the generator in circuit with thestorage batteries, said safety device embodying means for drawing theblades of the wind mills out of the wind, and automatic means operativeupon violent continuous action of the wind for further stopping theaction of the safety device, switches severally interposed in thestorage battery circuits with the generator, a rheostat arranged in thecircuit of the storage battery with the safety device, a switch arrangedin said last named circuit and emtor, stationary contacts, switch armscarried by the armature of said motor and adapted to have movement uponsaid rheostat and said stationary contacts with the motor as controlledby the potential from the generator whereby to establish a circuit ofvarying potential with the safety device and the storage batteries,electrical means controlled by the potential of the generator at apredetermined degree for successively tripping the several switches toclose the various circuits, and mechanical means operative upon theaction of the safety device and the deenergization of said electricalmeans for successively tripping the several switches to break thevarious circuits, one of said storage battery circuit switches beingadapted to close a circuit with the generator in both its make and breakpositions with relation to the storage battery circuits.

17. In combination with a generator and wind-mill source of powersupply, gearing connecting the power shaft with the power shaft of thegenerator, and a system of electrical distribution for said generatorembodying storage batteries arranged in circuit with said generator, andswitches severally interposed in the storage battery circuits with saidgenerator and with one another, a safety device for decreasing the speedof the generator below a predetermined charging potential embodying amotor in circuit with the storage batteries, devices driven by saidmotor and connected to the blades of the wind mills for drawing saidblades in position out of the wind, a rheostat arranged in the circuitof the storage batteries with said motor, a second motor in directcircuit with the generator and a switch embodying movable contact armsmounted upon the armature of said last named motor, and stationarycontact members, said arms being adapted to move with said last namedmotor as controlled by the potential of said generator over saidrheostat to said stationary contact men'ibcrs to establish a circuit ofvarying potential with said first named motor from said storagebatteries, automatic means controlled by the movement of said firstnamed motor for breaking the circuit thereof with the storage batteries,upon continuous charging action of said generator under the force of aviolent wind, and electrical means controlled by the potential of saidgenerator at a predetermined degree for successively tripping saidstorage battery and said safety device switches into position to closethe various circuits, and mechanical means controlled by the potentialof the generator at degrees less than the degree of actuation of saidelectrical means and operative after the action of said safety deviceand during the deenergization of said electrical means for successivelytripping said switches into position to break the several circuits ofthe batteries with the generator and safety device, one of said storagebattery switches being at all times adapted to close a circuit with thegenerator in either its make or break position with relation to saidbattery circuits.

18. In combination with a generator and source of power supply, storagebatteries arranged in circuit with the generator, switches interposed insaid storage battery circuits, and electrical means controlled by thepotential of the generator at a prede termined time for successivelytripping the several switches into position to close the circuits in thestorage battery circuits with the gene 'ator and to permit of thecharging of the storage batteries, a safety device adapted to decreasethe speed of the generator below a predetermined charging potential,said safety device embodying a motor in circuit with said storagebatteries, means driven by said motor for retarding the speed of thegenerator power supply, a rheostat arranged in said circuit from thestorage batteries with said motor, and a switch for establishing saidlast named circuit embodying a motor in circuit with the generator,movable switch arms mounted upon said motor, and adapted to havemovement therewith, and stationary contact members, said switch armsbeing adapted to overlie said rheostat and said contact members wherebyto establish a circuit of varying potential between said storagebatteries and said first named motor, said last named switch being alsoset in closed position by said electrical means and being adapted afterthe operation of the safety device to close a circuit from the storagebattery with said first named motor and independent of said rheostatcircuit whereby the current will enter said motor in an oppositedirection from the current of the rheostat circuit to actuate said meansfor retarding action of the power supply so as to release said powersupply to have free movement in driving the generator.

19. In combination with a generator and source of power supply, storagebatteries arranged in circuit with the generator, switches interposed insaid storage battery circuits, and electrical means controlled by thepotential of the generator at a predetermined time for successivelytripping the several switches into position to close the circuits of thestorage batteries with the generator and to permit of the charging ofthe storage batteries, a safety device adapted to decrease the speed ofthe generator below a predetermined charging potential, said safetydevice embodying a motor in circuit with said storage batteries, meansdriven by said motor for retarding the speed of the generator powersupply, a rheostat arranged in said circuit from the storage batterieswith said motor, and a switch for establishing said last named circuitembodying a motor in circuit with the generator, movable switch armsmounted upon said motor, and adapted to have movement therewith, andstationary contact members, said switch arms being adapted to overliesaid rheostat and said contact members whereby to establish a circuit ofvarying potential between said storage batteries and said first namedmotor, said last named switch being also set in closed position by saidelectrical means and being adapted after the operation of the safetydevice to close a circuit from the storage battery with said first namedmotor and independent of said rheostat circuit whereby the current willenter said motor in an opposite direction from the current of therheostat circuit to actuate said means for retarding the action of thepower supply so as to release said power supply to have free movement indriving the generator, and mechanical means operative after the actionof the safety device and during the deenergization of said electricalmeans below the predetermined charging potential, for successivelytripping said switches into a position, to break the respectivecircuits, one of said storage battery circuit switches being adapted atall times to close a circuit with the generator in its make and breakpositions with relation to the storage battery circuits with saidgenerator.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in the presence of twowitnesses.

ADELBERT WV. GRAY. Witnesses K. H. BUTLER, M. E. LAWSON.

